Expect a huge backlog in passport applications and authentication of documents at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as soon as the current situation eases down.
Following the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until April 11, 2021 covering the National Capital Region and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Laguna, the DFA announced that all its consular offices in Metro Manila, Antipolo, Dasmariñas, Malolos, and San Pablo will remain closed.
Passport and authentication applicants of these consular offices affected by the ECQ declaration from March 29 to April 9, 2021 will be accommodated beginning from the week after ECQ is lifted, according to the latest advisory issued by the DFA
The Department said concerned passport and authentication applicants will receive emails with their new appointment schedule, with the accommodation schedule that will be followed: https://bit.ly/3mupmGl
“We again advise that schedules may still be subject to change if current ECQ restrictions continue or when local governments and mall partners which host these COs (consular offices) implement restrictions on access, the DFA said.
Last week, the DFA implemented a reduced workforce scheme after 88 of its personnel, mostly frontline workers, have tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It stated that this was the highest number of positive cases recorded in the department since the COVID-19 outbreak started in February last year.
On Saturday, the DFA confirmed the death of Rey Enriquez, a consular assistant at its satellite office in SM-Manila.